Complexity-Aware Monitoring and Evaluation Quarter Three FY2020 Report, April 1 – June 30, 2020

C-AME's overarching objective is to contribute to USAID's Reconciliation Activity, the Program of Alliances for Reconciliation (PAR), by increasing its capacity for decision-making and adaptive management in complex environments. During this period, C-AME has been advancing in monitoring and evaluation activities through innovative strategies to overcome challenges such as restrictions in travel, difficulties in contacting beneficiaries, and lack of skills in information technologies. In monitoring terms, C-AME designed and applied a remote monitoring pilot aimed to collect performance indicator data from projects selected for the fifth DE iteration. The remote monitoring pilot was conducted in Maicao and Arauca municipalities, including eight implementing partners and 34 participants who responded to the survey and provided insights about how the projects are still running in the middle of the health crisis. The main findings and lessons from this pilot, in terms of formal and informal implementation mechanisms and monitoring of activities in the field, were presented in the communication tool delivered to USAID on June 30, 2020. In addition, this report includes a brief summary about the most important suggestions for remote data collection events in five different categories: group workshops, individual follow-up, communication channels, logistics, and contacts in the field. Regarding the developmental evaluation, C-AME has been working on a literature review related to the context analysis and project implementation for the nine projects under the scope of the DE. The team has also been carrying out data collection events, mainly interviews, with PAR representatives, implementing partners, and context stakeholders. C-AME conducted eight interviews with context stakeholders and PAR staff to review important aspects related to the scope of the DE. The C-AME team is currently analyzing the results of the monitoring pilots and best practices from other programs to identify the best strategy to carry out focus groups and interviews with participants. C-AME has also developed a new issue of the newsletter, addressing lessons learned from the contribution of international cooperation in peacebuilding and reconciliation. Additionally, there was a revision of the theory of change of PAR, analyzing assumptions and shifts in reconciliation and the approach PAR is taking in its influence zones. In regards to the performance evaluation, this report presents progress made in gathering the team responsible for this important work. C-AME has held meetings with USAID and PAR to analyze the questions to answer in this endeavor and the scope the PE is going to have. With this input, C-AME delivered a work plan to USAID. The report highlights the challenges faced by C-AME due to the pandemic, including restrictions on field work and difficulties in contacting beneficiaries. However, the team has been able to adapt and innovate, using remote monitoring and evaluation strategies to collect data and analyze results. The report also highlights the importance of migration issues in the municipalities of Arauca, Maicao, and Cúcuta, and the need to analyze interventions related to migration fluxes in border zones. C-AME has identified nine projects under the scope of the DE, which are being implemented by eight implementing partners. The report concludes by highlighting the progress made by C-AME in advancing monitoring and evaluation activities, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.